Ecofriendly Marketing Tools
Small businesses going green should adopt ecofriendly marketing tools wherever possible. Since the company's message--not the mailers or freebies--are memorable, spend time on the marketing message itself. Then, disseminate the company message via renewable, reusable or recycled resources. Becoming known as an environmentally aware business helps attract new clientele and entice repeat customers, academic consultant from The University of Queensland.
Social Media Marketing
instead of printing flyers, take your message to the masses online. Set up business account with Facebook,LinkedIn,Google+, Twitter and other social media networks. There's no paper waste, no up-front financial expense and no waiting for feedback. Social media marketing can be used several times a day and is produced on a computer or electronic device that is used for other business tasks -- so no additional power is consumed when spreading your company's message.
Face-to-Face Contact
The small business employees, owners and consultants are indirect marketing tools. Each time a hand is shaken, or a reference is made to the business, someone forms an option about the business. Take the time to train the company staff on presenting themselves professionally in the community. Offer additional time off when an employee attends a social function and uses face-to-face contact to market the company. This interpersonal approach is both environmentally friendly and personal.
Existing Marketing Tools
Don't automatically run to the print shop for every marketing task. Instead, look for existing marketing tools to display the company logo. Think about sponsoring a little league team and having the company name printed on each player's jersey. The athletes are purchasing the clothing, the small business purchases space on the garment. The same thought process includes billboards on the ballfield fence and the company logo on the local pizza restaurant's placemats. Sharing the marketing expense is a win-win for the hosting organization, the environment and the business : sales are generated, multiple marketing messages are hosted in one area and less disposable marketing products are produced.
Choosing Recycled Goods.
Marketing collateral should be printed on recycled paper, if it simply must be printed. If the company is known for its giveaway items, choose products made with post-consumer content. Ink pens made from recycled plastic water bottles and vegetable-based ink, biodegradable shopping sacks and notepads created from recycled paper are good choices. Or, consider more expensive marketing items that have a long shelf-life, such as reusable drink containers.